Head of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People Colonel Assimi Goïta issued a nationally televised announcement pronouncing Ba N’Daou, previously the Minister for Defence as the Malian transitional president appointed by a committee set up by the junta in power since ousting — in a coup d-état, ex-president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18th.
The new president is expected to serve as head of state for several months before a return of civilians to power.
The Colonel has been designated transitional vice-president with the ceremony to swear in both officials scheduled for Friday, September 25.
This comes in light of weeks-long tension in Mali over the civilian or military nature of the transition and pressure from the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a swift transition to civilian power.
President Keïta was overthrown on 18 August following mass protests against his rule over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections.
The coup sparked international condemnation, but it was welcomed by many Malians. This was the fourth coup in the West African state since it gained independence from France in 1960.
